Javelin / TriMech Author
Rod Mackay
3D printing allows for lighter and less expensive End of Arm Tooling
By Rod Mackay on August 28, 2019
FDM technology provides an alternative method for producing End of Arm Tooling (EOAT) that can provide dramatic time and cost savings while optimizing performance. FDM is an additive manufacturing (3D printing) process that builds plastic parts layer by layer using data from 3D computer-aided design (CAD)…
Why you should use the SOLIDWORKS Defeature Tool
By Rod Mackay on August 28, 2019
Creating a digital twin of your real-life assembly can provide a lot of benefits; including accurate bills of materials, machining instructions, true-to-life simulation results, or stunning renders out of SOLIDWORKS Visualize. However, all of this can result in performance slow downs, this is where SOLIDWORKS…
3D Printing Jigs & Fixtures can reduce fabrication costs by 50–90%
By Rod Mackay on August 26, 2019
Watch the video below to learn how 3D printed jigs and fixtures for the production floor can reduce fabrication costs by 50–90%. Factory production lines know the right jig or fixture speeds production, which increases productivity. But that’s just the beginning. Well-designed tools are more…
How to apply Textures to 3D Printed Parts with SOLIDWORKS
By Rod Mackay on August 21, 2019
SOLIDWORKS users often need to create complex or repeating features, but these features can be time-consuming to generate, especially on complex models. Some designs, such as a textured surface or a grip, require textures or bumps which can be functional or just for aesthetic purposes….
How Educators and Students create realistic full-colour multi-material 3D models
By Rod Mackay on August 13, 2019
Ask anyone in education what their top objectives are, and they’ll probably say it’s to enable students and faculty to achieve more, faster than what’s possible now, while saving money in the process. Ask what’s holding them back and you’ll probably find a diverse variety…
How to replace a Print Head on a Stratasys F120 Desktop 3D Printer
By Rod Mackay on August 7, 2019
The Stratasys F120 is designed to be reliable, easy to work with, and more importantly easy to maintain. Take a look at the video below to see how easy it is to replace a print head on the Stratasys F120: How is the Stratasys F120…
Linear Vs Nonlinear Finite Element Analysis Explained
By Rod Mackay on August 6, 2019
For some designers, finite element analysis (FEA) can feel like a complicated venture. The truth is, if you know SOLIDWORKS, you already have the background to take advantage of simulation capabilities, and using Linear vs Nonlinear analyses. Both Linear Static and Nonlinear analyses provide limitless…
The basics of SOLIDWORKS xDesign Demonstration Video
By Rod Mackay on August 6, 2019
Watch and learn how SOLIDWORKS xDesign combines 3D CAD modeling and cloud collaboration using a web browser. In this 90-minute, on-demand video you’ll learn how to create parametric models and assemblies or let xDesign’s Design Guidance suggest solutions for you. SOLIDWORKS xDesign SOLIDWORKS xDesign combines…
Reduce Costs with Optimization Studies in SOLIDWORKS Simulation
By Rod Mackay on July 17, 2019
When completing structural designs, it is common practice to “over-design” our materials. That is, use a size or thickness of material that we know works despite the potential for additional weight. This practice can have a hidden cost though. Why are we designing with heavier,…
Learn how to Future Proof your CAD System for the 2020s
By Rod Mackay on July 16, 2019
Learn the five technologies your CAD system must support to stay ahead of the curve in the 2020s. In today’s competitive landscape, companies must innovate to stay ahead of competitors and bring winning products to the market faster than ever. Fortunately there are many new…
Slicing imported Mesh or Scanned Geometry into SOLIDWORKS Sketches
By Rod Mackay on July 11, 2019
In a world that is moving more and more towards additive manufacturing as a primary method of creating our designs, working with mesh geometry is becoming ever more important. Whether this is a file that we’ve received from a customer, a supplier, or even geometry…
SOLIDWORKS has long been an industry leader in the modelling of welded frames and their components. Quickly generating beam members based on 2D or 3D sketches and exporting a cut-list using weldments can save many hours of manual work and re-work when compared to traditional…
SOLIDWORKS 2020 Beta version is now available to try Online
By Rod Mackay on June 22, 2019
The SOLIDWORKS 2020 Beta program provides early access to test SOLIDWORKS software for SOLIDWORKS Subscription Service Customers. Beta testers can either download and install SOLIDWORKS 2020, or run a version online from a supported browser via the MySolidWorks beta website. SOLIDWORKS 2020 delivers many important…
A growing demand for 3D printing design services The proliferation of 3D printing technology has created a substantial demand for engineering services that create and deliver its benefits. At the forefront of these services is design optimization for 3D printing. The 3D printing industry has…
Will 3D Printing Spare Parts Eliminate the Warehouse?
By Rod Mackay on June 21, 2019
Is 3D printing spare parts on demand a realistic business model? This white paper from Stratasys will look at the business drivers for adopting 3D printing and the applications for the technology. In this paper, we consider how 3D printing can be used to meet…